Alcohol and drug support
Alcohol and drug misuse causes a wide range of problems for families and communities as well as for the person with the alcohol or drug problem.
To help, we provide effective and accessible preventative information, treatment, support and recovery services. The benefits of treatment are:
- individuals can get help to reduce their alcohol or drug use and improve their physical and mental health
- families can be supported to cope with problems caused by alcohol or drugs
- communities benefit for less alcohol or drug related crime and anti-social behaviour.
In Kent there are a number of organisations that provide drug and alcohol treatment, including:
- advice and information
- drop in services
- structured treatment services
- counselling
- medical treatments for drug or alcohol withdrawal
- harm reduction techniques and information.
Most adults starting treatment will refer themselves. This can be done through your GP, health professional or by contacting a local treatment centre. When you speak to the support services you will have someone who will get to know you and your situation so you have the right kind of treatment and help.
Alcohol and drug support and treatment services
Depending on where you live in Kent, you will be able to find support to help you.
East Kent services
For those living in East Kent (Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Swale and Thanet) contact The Forward Trust.
Alternatively, you can use their free, confidential online chat service Reach Out.
Find out more about Reach Out and visit the Forward Trust website. The online chat service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm (excluding bank holidays).
West Kent services
If you live in West Kent (Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling) contact Change, Grow, Live:
- call 0330 128 1113
- visit the Change, Grow, Live website
- email WestKent.FirstStep@cgl.org.uk
- complete our online referral form
Alcohol support for all of Kent
Through One You Kent local services, there are resources out there to support you reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Check out the apps, online information or you can fill a referral form to speak to a One You Kent advisor. There are checks to see how much you’re drinking and the impact it could be having on your health. Go to:
Drug support for all of Kent
If you administer medicines yourself you are responsible for getting rid of needles, syringes and other medical waste.
For a few young people, drug and alcohol experimentation can or will become a dependency. Support and treatment services can support and help them before it becomes a way of life.
In Kent, an organisation called We are With You provide structured support including:
- the chance to speak to someone about how drugs and alcohol affect you and those around you
- information, support and advice
- options about lifestyles and choices
- links to other support services
- community detox or substitute prescribing.
Young people can be referred into treatment services by parents, social workers and health professionals, as well as referring themselves.
To refer a young person, or to access support and treatment services:
If you are a professional go to our information for professionals section to get:
- referral advice
- statistics and performance data
- strategies.